Muslims, Neoliberalism, and Mental Health: Resisting the Impact of Austerity
A conversation between:
Tarek Younis
Dr Nadya Ali
William Barylo
31/10/2023
19:00 – 21:00
ICF @ Block 336
336 Brixton Road
London SW9 7AA
Descriptions
This panel discussion between Tarek Younis, Dr Nadya Ali and William Barylo will examine the impact of neoliberal policies, particularly austerity, on racialised minorities such as Muslims. The speakers will explore how neoliberal policies have led to a cost-of-living crisis, how the impact of this can be understood within the wider reach of racial capitalism, and why all this is particularly important for Muslims. The discussion will also explore different ways of communal healing that resist the neoliberal impulse towards individual resilience and self-care.
This event will be BSL interpreted.
Biographies
Dr Tarek Younis is a cultural and critical clinical psychologist, and currently a lecturer in psychology at Middlesex University. His previous research has explored the racialisation of Muslims as a result of statutory counter-terrorism policies in mental health. He has written on Western Muslim identities; Islamophobia; the securitatisation and racism of mental health; and how Muslims are increasingly marginalised through colorblind policies which do not target them explicitly. He teaches on the impact of culture, religion, globalisation and security policies on mental health interventions.
Dr Nadya Ali is a writer and researcher currently working in policy and advocacy in the charity sector. Prior to this, she worked for over 10 years in higher education researching, publishing and teaching on the issues of security, borders and race and racism.
William Barylo is a sociologist and visual artist using pictures and film to explore issues around race, class, gender and belief through a decolonial and restorative perspective. He looks at how grassroots organisations from minority backgrounds resist, heal and flourish despite systemic exclusion and lack of resources. Keen on developing practical solutions through his research findings, he co-creates visual content with community artists and activists. He has directed the documentary Polish Muslims and he is the author of Young Muslim Change-Makers. His current action-research project The Diaspora Strikes Back has received a British Academy grant of £366,000, and explores how Muslim millennials in Europe craft a fairer society through their cultural heritage, religious ethics, arts, the environment, social and economic justice and mental health.
